Q1: Can I substitute the almond butter with another nut or seed butter?

Yes, you can easily substitute the almond butter called for in Step 2 with other nut or seed butters. Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work excellently and will provide similar binding properties when spread on the rice cakes. If you have a tree nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is an ideal choice that maintains the gluten-free nature of this recipe. Just make sure to use the same amount (1 tablespoon per rice cake) and spread it evenly from edge to edge as instructed to ensure the raisins and toppings stick properly.

Q2: What can I use instead of raisins if I don't like them or don't have them on hand?

The 3 tablespoons of raisins distributed in Step 4 can be replaced with various dried fruits or other toppings. Dried cranberries, chopped dates, dried cherries, or even fresh banana slices work wonderfully and provide similar sweetness and texture. You could also use mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries if you prefer. Whatever substitute you choose, use approximately 1.5 tablespoons per sandwich (distributed across 2 rice cakes) and press them gently into the almond butter as instructed in Step 4 so they adhere properly.

Q3: Is the honey necessary, and can I make this recipe vegan?

The honey mentioned in Step 5 is optional and adds extra sweetness and helps bind the sandwich, but it's not essential for the recipe to work. To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the honey or replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar in the same amount (1/2 teaspoon per sandwich). The almond butter and the natural stickiness of the raisins provide enough binding on their own, so skipping the sweetener entirely won't affect the structural integrity of your sandwiches. The cinnamon from Step 3 will still provide plenty of flavor even without the added sweetener.

Q4: How far in advance can I make these sandwiches, and what's the best way to store them?

According to Step 7, these sandwiches are best enjoyed within 4-6 hours of assembly to maintain optimal texture and prevent the rice cakes from becoming soggy. If you need to prepare them in advance, wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap as suggested in the Equipment list and Step 7. Store them at room temperature if consuming within a few hours, or refrigerate them if you need to extend their freshness slightly. However, be aware that refrigeration may cause the rice cakes to lose some of their crispness. For best results, assemble these sandwiches the morning you plan to eat them for a perfect grab-and-go snack.

Cinnamon Raisin Rice Cake Sandwiches

These Cinnamon Raisin Rice Cake Sandwiches are the perfect answer to busy mornings and after-school snack cravings. Combining the satisfying crunch of gluten-free rice cakes with the creamy richness of almond butter, these simple sandwiches deliver both texture and nutrition in every bite. The natural sweetness of raisins paired with warm cinnamon creates a nostalgic flavor combination reminiscent of cinnamon raisin bread, but in a much quicker and more convenient format.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Whether you're packing lunch boxes, fueling up before a workout, or need a quick energy boost between meetings, these sandwiches come together in just five minutes with minimal cleanup. The almond butter provides healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied, while the raisins offer natural sweetness and quick energy without any refined sugars.

This recipe is inherently gluten-free, making it perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. It's also easily customizable – swap the almond butter for any nut or seed butter based on your preferences or allergies, adjust the cinnamon to your taste, or add other toppings like sliced bananas or a drizzle of honey. Kids love the fun sandwich format and the ability to help assemble their own snacks, making this an ideal recipe for encouraging young ones in the kitchen.

Best of all, these sandwiches are truly grab-and-go friendly. They don't require refrigeration for a few hours, won't get soggy like traditional sandwiches, and can be eaten with one hand while you're on the move. Make a batch on Sunday evening for quick weekday snacks, or assemble them fresh whenever hunger strikes.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

5 minutes

None servings

245 calories

Fat 11.00g

Carbs 32.00g

Protein 6.00g

Ingredients

4 whole	gluten-free rice cakes, plain or lightly salted
4 tbsp	almond butter, creamy or crunchy
3 tbsp	raisins
1/2 tsp	ground cinnamon
1 tsp	honey (optional)

Equipment

measuring spoons

parchment paper or plastic wrap

butter knife or small spatula

cutting board or work surface

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with clean eating principles, this recipe uses whole, minimally processed ingredients like rice cakes, almond butter, raisins, and honey, avoiding refined sugars and artificial additives.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using rice cakes as the base and featuring ingredients like almond butter and raisins that are inherently gluten-free. The recipe explicitly highlights its gluten-free status in the description.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating by featuring whole ingredients with varied textures and flavors, encouraging slow consumption and sensory appreciation of the cinnamon, almond butter, and raisin combination.

Instructions

Lay out all 4 rice cakes on a clean work surface or cutting board, arranging them so you can easily access each one.

Using a butter knife or small spatula, spread 1 tablespoon of almond butter evenly onto the top surface of each rice cake, making sure to cover the entire surface from edge to edge.

1 min

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over all 4 almond butter-covered rice cakes, using approximately 1/8 teaspoon per rice cake for balanced flavor.

Distribute the raisins evenly across 2 of the rice cakes, pressing them gently into the almond butter so they stick. Use approximately 1.5 tablespoons of raisins per rice cake.

1 min

If using honey, drizzle 1/2 teaspoon over the raisins on each of the 2 rice cakes for added sweetness and to help bind the sandwich together.

Place the remaining 2 rice cakes (almond butter side down) on top of the raisin-topped rice cakes to create sandwiches. Press down gently to seal the sandwiches together.

Serve immediately or wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap for grab-and-go convenience. These are best enjoyed within 4-6 hours of assembly.

1 min

Cinnamon Raisin Rice Cake Sandwiches

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Mindful Eating

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I substitute the almond butter with another nut or seed butter?

Q2: What can I use instead of raisins if I don't like them or don't have them on hand?

Q3: Is the honey necessary, and can I make this recipe vegan?

Q4: How far in advance can I make these sandwiches, and what's the best way to store them?